it can unfold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can unfold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that has the potential to develop or reveal itself over time. Example: "The story is complex, and as we delve deeper, it can unfold in unexpected ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And if you accept Dr. Benner's chemistry, then you have to find a place with oxygen and dry land where it can unfold.

The New York Times - Science

For all proteins, the Cm values for tetramer disassembly and reassembly are slightly lower than the Cm values for unfolding and refolding, consistent with the notion that the tetramer must first dissociate before it can unfold.

Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then, as now, it's a flexible piece: you can unfold it and lay it flat, so that it can be hung on a wall.

The New York Times

It's pocket-sized, easy to remember, and if your paper is thick enough, you can unfold it, flip it around, fold it the other way, and you have a new booklet!

WikiHow

One more thing; if you run out of room, you can unfold it, and refold it so that the other side is facing out and use it the same way you used the first side.

WikiHow

Its jams can unfold as solid funk or heady dance music.

The New York Times

After its embarrassing dalliance with Saif Gaddafi, it seems no tyrannical episode can unfold without some link to the LSE.

The Guardian

I'm rereading "The Portrait of a Lady," which I do every few years to remind myself that there really is such a thing as elegance, in life and in prose — and to remember how much devastation can unfold around it.

The New York Times - Books

It is known that VCP can unfold ubiquitylated proteins and is important for extracting certain DNA-repair proteins from chromatin (Dantuma et al., 2014), and, while a role for VCP in removing Ku from DNA has been proposed (Postow, 2011), it has not yet been demonstrated in the literature.

Cell Reports

When the dlPFC is deactivated the "impulsive system" can unfold its bottom-up activation with less top-down control of the dlPFC.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

It is a tactic that has proved effective for the double world champion and 2008 silver medallist, enabling her to stay clear of the maelstrom that can unfold with its attendant kicking and hitting, some of it deliberate, some not.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it can unfold" when you want to convey a sense of anticipation or possibility, suggesting that the full picture is not yet known but will gradually emerge.

Common error

Avoid using "it can unfold" in very simple or straightforward narratives where the development is already clear. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or verbose. Consider using simpler alternatives when the development is obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can unfold" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing the potential for a situation, event, or process to develop or reveal itself. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. The examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts, from scientific processes to narrative developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can unfold" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the development or revelation of events, processes, or narratives over time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and usable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The examples illustrate its application in scenarios ranging from scientific processes to unfolding dramas. While "it can unfold" is a useful phrase, it's important to avoid overuse in simple narratives and to consider alternative expressions like "it could develop" or "it may evolve" to add nuance to your writing. Overall, mastering the use of "it can unfold" enhances one's ability to convey dynamic and evolving situations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could develop

Replaces "can" with "could", suggesting possibility rather than certainty.

it might transpire

Uses "transpire" for a more formal tone, implying an event that occurs.

it may evolve

Emphasizes a gradual change or development.

it could unravel

Suggests a more complex or mysterious revealing.

it may emerge

Focuses on the act of something coming into view or prominence.

it might become clear

Highlights the process of becoming understandable.

it could materialize

Emphasizes the act of something becoming real or concrete.

it may come to pass

A more formal way of expressing something that might happen.

it might reveal itself

Focuses on the gradual unveiling of something previously hidden.

it could come about

Suggests a process or series of events leading to a result.

FAQs

How can I use "it can unfold" in a sentence?

You can use "it can unfold" to describe how a situation, plan, or story develops over time. For example, "The details of the agreement are still being worked out, but the final plan "it can unfold" as expected."

What are some alternatives to "it can unfold"?

Alternatives to "it can unfold" include phrases like "it could develop", "it might transpire", or "it may evolve" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can unfold" formal or informal?

"It can unfold" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the surrounding vocabulary to match the overall formality of your writing.

Can "it can unfold" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, "it can unfold" is appropriate for scientific writing when describing processes or phenomena that develop or reveal themselves over time. For example, "The protein's structure is complex, and the folding process "it can unfold" in multiple stages."